In this article we discuss the 5 best dog breeds for first time owners. If you want to read our detailed analysis of these dog breeds, go directly to the 15 Best Dog Breeds for First Time Owners.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is another small dog like the Maltese. However, this breed was bred specifically for Chinese royalty. The breed is hence lovable, playful, and does not show any aggressive instincts. The dogs are great to keep as pets as they adapt to households easily and are gentle, docile, and affectionate. Like the Maltese, the Shih Tzu prefers to cuddle and sit in laps instead of exercising or running around. The Shih Tzu has a pleasant temper, yet they are known for their independent streak and do not require too much pampering. The Shih Tzu is 5th on the list of 15 best dog breeds for first time owners.
4. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers stand 4th out of the 15 best dog breeds for first time owners. The dogs are playful and affectionate and get along with humans of all ages. However, they may show signs of aggression if they are not trained or treated properly. Moreover, they need plenty of physical activity such as walking and running, yet they settle well even in small homes and apartments as long as they are exercised regularly.
The dogs make strong bonds with their owners with proper care and love. The dogs are easy to train due to their people-pleasing nature. Overall, the personalities of Boston Terriers make them lifetime companions.
3. Cocker Spaniel
Although cocker spaniels are a cheerful, loving, and gentle breed with a beautiful appearance, they were originally bred to be hunting dogs. In fact, the “cocker” in their name comes from the Eurasian woodcock that they were used to hunt. As hunting dogs, they have intelligent instincts and learn new things well.
However, cocker spaniels are easy-going dogs that are friendly and easy to train. Moreover, they are eager to please their owners, so they react well to orders. One challenge for first time owners that adopt or purchase cocker spaniels would be their grooming. As cocker spaniels have huge amounts of hair, the hair may get tangled or matted if it is not regularly and properly groomed. Cocker spaniels are third on the list of 15 best dog breeds for first time owners.
2. Mutt
Mutts make very good pets for first time owners. Generally, people who have not ever kept dogs as pets face difficulties due to the hyper personality traits of the breed they choose, for instance, hyperactive dogs, or those that are very intelligent, or very stubborn. Mutts do not have any hyper personality traits and hence fall second on the list of 15 best dog breeds for first time owners. Mutts are easygoing and forgiving of any mistakes their owners might do, especially during their training.
1. Samoyed
The Samoyed is known to be a family dog because of its gentle, loyal, and loving nature. The breed is medium-sized and has a characteristic thick white coat that is usually double-layered. The friendly and adaptive nature of the dog makes it easy to train. Moreover, the dogs of this breed are very affectionate and loving with children and adults and consider themselves to be part of the family they live with.
The Samoyed is active without being hyper and does not require excessive physical activity to remain healthy. Although the fluffy, double-layered coat requires regular grooming, it does not shed too much hair. Due to all these positive traits, the Samoyed holds first place in our list of 15 best dog breeds for first time owners.
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